Hedgerows form the part of many fields and country lanes. Typically forming a barrier to break up the land into plots for farming and stock, whilst also to mark territorial boundaries and local parish lines.
Early hedgerows can be traced back to Anglo-Saxton Charters.
Overtime the replacement of hedges with modern fencing has seen the removal and decline of the big and bushy hedgerows of yesteryear, however there is a bit of a resurgance of the hedgerow as the benefits of encouraging wildlife back to areas is increasing.
Last weekend I was on a social distanced walk with a friend as we went around the local area and luckily from where we are we were soon out of the primmed garden hedge to the wild hedgerows of the lanes and fields nearby.
The great thing about hedgerows is the variety of plants and wildlife that make them their home. Throughout the seasons hedgerows change with flowers to berries and the different wildlife that inhabits them.
The hedgerows on our walk consisted of:
- Beech
- Hawthorn
- Hazel
- Blackthorn
- Dog Rose
- Cow Parsley
- Hemlock
- Stinging Nettle
- Ivy
- Elder
- Bramble
- Cleavers
As well as lots of grasses and other plants on the verges next to the hedges.
Plenty of birds in and out of the plants, but no mammals were seen. Typically you could see:
- Squirrels
- Rabbits
- Stoats
- Weasel
- Hedgehog
- Voles
- Mice
- Shrews
Next time you are out on a walk keep your eyes open to what you can find.
Sparrowhawk Bushcraft 